History

Our history

1836

Luigi Marzotto founds a small wool weaving mill in Valdagno, a village at the bottom of a valley not far from Vicenza, the capital of the province.

1840

Luigi’s son Gaetano succeeds his father and Marzotto reaches two hundred employees and eighty mechanical and hand looms as the Third Independence War results in the liberation of the Veneto region and its annexation to Italy.

1880

Vittorio Emanuele initiates construction of a spinning mill in Maglio, near Valdagno, which produces combed yarn, while the rest of the Italian industry is still producing carded yarn.

1922

Inherited the company by his father as a young man age, Gaetano Marzotto Jr. leads the company from 2,500 to 12,500 employees, acquiring also new
companies in the wool business.

Marzotto continues to see results, making investments, bringing about innovations and expanding its technology, even as the stock market crash wreaks havoc on the world economy.

1950s

In the early 1950s, Marzotto makes its way into the apparel sector, producing clothing in addition to yarns and fabrics. Years later, the claim “I normally wear Marzotto” becomes a famous catchphrase.

1970s

The boom years of Made in Italy begin as Italian fashion asserts itself across the world. The big companies soon realize that the secret to riding the wave lies in licenses. To be successful, companies must secure exclusive contracts with the top brands and partner with the top designers, merging creativity, business leverage and industrial organization.

The boom years of Made in Italy begin as Italian fashion asserts itself across the world. The big companies soon realize that the secret to riding the wave lies in licenses. To be successful, companies must secure exclusive contracts with the top brands and partner with the top designers, merging creativity, business leverage and industrial organization.

1980s

In the mid-1980s, Marzotto Group decides to embark on a policy of outward expansion. In 1985, Marzotto Group acquires Finbassetti, a move that increases the Group’s turnover to nearly Lira 700 billion. In the same year, Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale is also acquired, an agreement is signed with Missoni and negotiations with Philip Morris are finalized to start up leisure and sportswear lines with Marlboro Classic, a brand operating in the high-end casual segment and featuring collections inspired by the free spirit of the great American West. In 1987, Lanerossi and fashion designer Gianfranco Ferrè’s brand join the Group.

1990s

The Group continues its policy of expansion and in 1991 acquires Hugo Boss, a global leader in high-end men’s collections, and the Guabello mill. In 1994, the Group also acquires Lanificio Novà Mosilana in Brno.

2000s

In 2000, the Lithuanian manufacturer Liteksas joins the Group and in 2002 the Group acquires Valentino, one of the most noted Italian fashion brands operating mainly in high-end women’s clothing and accessories.
In 2004, the Group’s turnover came to Euro 1,550 million.

2005

The changing global landscape means that the Group must focus and target its energy and resources to stay ahead of its competitors. As a result, Marzotto spins off its apparel business and decides to concentrate exclusively on its textile business.

2008

Important companies join the Group, such as the wool mills Fratelli Tallia di Delfino and Lanificio G.B. Conte, thereby expanding its reach to women through the Estethia – G.B. Conte brand, and a 100% stake in Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale is acquired.

2009

The Group acquires Nuova Tessilbrenta, a brand specializing in the manufacture of cotton sportswear and casual apparel. A partnership agreement concluded with Schneider Group, a world leader in the procurement and processing of precious natural fibers, leads to a manufacturing joint venture for wool combing, in which Marzotto holds a 30% share, with a new facility in Egypt.

2010

The Group acquires a 33.3% stake in Ratti S.p.A., one of the world’s leading silk manufacturers. The stake is in collaboration with Faber Five S.r.l., which in turn has a 33.3% holding.

2012

Marzotto Group acquires Redaelli, Girmes, Christof Andreae, Niedieck, all brands specialized in velvet. The acquisition includes two facilities in the Czech Republic.

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